Public Transportation Safety Considerations
For major cities, a well-functioning public transportation system is a vital part of the fabric of the community. This is especially true for Las Vegas, which is among the most visited cities in the entire world. Each year, more than 43 million people come to Vegas. As most come without their vehicle, they plan to rely heavily on public transportation. Unfortunately, public transportation in our city is not always as safe as it should be. Negligence by employees and entities leads to far too many accidents. Whether you are travelling via the city’s buses or a private company like Uber, you need to keep safety in mind.
At Ladah Law Firm, our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys are committed to working to improve safety in our region. If you were injured in any type of accident while taking public transportation in Clark County, Nevada, please contact our law firm today for immediate legal assistance. We will fight aggressively to hold the responsible parties fully accountable, so that you can recover the compensation you deserve.
Public Transportation in Las Vegas: The Risks
There are many different forms of public transportation available in Las Vegas, from well-known options like taxis to lesser known options such as trains and the monorail. The city’s public transportation system is constantly changing. In fact, there are now even self-driving buses in Vegas that are undergoing testing and beginning operations.
As a passenger, you need to be aware of the fact that each different type of public transportation comes with its own unique set of risks. Though, one thing is true with all forms of public transportation: Passengers are forced to put tremendous faith in the hands of public transit employees and companies.
Sadly, far too often, these entities, whether private companies or publicly run, fail to live up to their professional and legal obligations. They act negligently in violation of Nevada law and put the health and safety of their passengers at considerable risk. There are many different dangers that you need to watch out for when taking public transportation in Southern Nevada; some of the most common examples include:
- Negligent drivers: Driver negligence occurs in many different ways, from speeding and running red lights to distraction and even intoxication. Despite being professionals, unsafe commercial drivers abound on our roads.
- Poor hiring and training standards: Companies have a duty to ensure that their employees are up to the job. This means that companies need to hire qualified workers and properly train those workers. Yet sadly, that does not always happen.
- Inadequate vehicle or railway maintenance: Negligent maintenance is a huge problem with our public transportation system. Too many passengers are put at risk because proper inspection and repair does not happen.
- Lack of security personnel: As a passenger, you have a right to be protected from other dangerous passengers. Inadequate security procedures can lead to avoidable injuries.
Four Safety Tips You Need to Keep in Mind
- Plan Ahead: Know the Route
One of the best ways to stay safe when taking public transportation is to plan ahead. You should know where you are going and how exactly you are going to get there. Before leaving your home or hotel, be sure to double check your route.
- Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
When taking public transportation, please always stay alert. You should never sleep while on public transportation and you should not have your head buried in your smartphone. While the overwhelming majority of trips are completed without issue, you still need to keep an eye on your surroundings and your belongings.
- Sit Near the Driver
Did you know that the safest place to sit is closest to the driver? If you are taking a bus or train in Nevada, a small thing you can do to increase your safety is to sit near the front so that you are as close to the driver as is possible.
- Trust Your Instincts
Finally, it is always a good practice to trust your instincts. If you feel like something is wrong, it may be a good idea to take a different type of transportation. For example, if you do not trust a particular taxi driver, or bus operator, or if a vehicle looks to be in bad shape, do not hesitate to wait for another transportation option.
Contact A Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney If You’ve Been In A Public Transportation Accident
The attorneys at Ladah Law Firm, have extensive experience with public transportation accident cases. If you were injured taking public transportation in Las Vegas, we are here to help. Please do not hesitate to call us today at (702) 252-0055 to set up a free review of your accident claim. From our office in the heart of Las Vegas, we represent victims throughout Clark County, Nevada, including in Green Valley, Boulder City, Whitney and Winchester.